Painting-machine.



Y PATENTED OCT. 25, 1904.

W. G; LATIMER. PAINTING MACHINE.

uruouxonngpn ov. 18, 1899.

4SHEETS-SHEBT 1'.

N0 MODEL.

A O 9 1 5 2 T O 0 D E T N E T A P R". E M I T A L aw W L 5 H 3 7 7 0 NPAINTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 18, 1899.

4 SHEETSSHBET 2.

N0 MODEL.

PATENTED 001". 25, 1904.

W. G. LATIMER. PAINTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 13, 1899.

4 SHEETSiSHEET 4.

N0 MO DEL.

UNITED STATES Patented October 25, 1904.

- PATENT OEEicE.

l/VILLIAM G. LATIMER, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNEASSIGNMENTS, TO NATIONAL ART AND CALENDAR COMPANY, OF DE- TROIT,MICHIGAN, A CORPORATION OF MICHIGAN.

MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N0. 773,151, dated October25, 1904.

Applicati n fil d November 18, 1899. Serial No. 737,430. (No model.)

To (all whom, it may concern:

troit, in the county of Wayne and State of Michigan, have inventedcertain new and useful Improvements in Painting-Machines, of which thefollowing is a specification, reference being had therein to theaccompanying drawings.

The invention consists in the construction of a multiplepainting-machinethat is, amachinein which a multiple of color-applyingdevices may be operated simultaneously to produce or operate upon aseries of like paint- 5 ings, drawings, crayons, or other similarclasses of work.

The invention in its broader scope embraces, as above indicated, amachine capable of producing practically any type of work; but in thisapplication I have shown a brush painting-machine and have claimed thedetail construction of that machine in addition to the generic claimsintended to include other detail forms.

My invention comprises in general a support for a series of sheets orcanvases and a series of synchronously-moving colo'rapplying devicessupported so as to be free to work at any desired point on the sheet andto give 3 the desired movement for applying the color, so that anoperator with but a single picture to operate upon may in paintingthatpicture produce at the same time a multiple of like pictures, posters,or otherwork.

The invention further consists in the construction of such a machinedesigned for painting and, further, in the construction, arrangement,and combination of the various parts, all as more fully hereinafterdescribed.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the brush-framearranged in operative relation to a series of work-holders which arepartly broken away and also showing the paint-receptacles. Fig. 2 is a45 diagrammatic perspective of the machine, ex-

cept the paint-receptacles. Fig. 3 is a diagram perspective of a seriesof work-holders plates or frames C.

and a color-applying device, such as might be used in crayon-work. Fig.4 is an enlarged section through the machine to illustrate the 5supporting-frame and the paint-receptacles, the brushes being shown asbeing dipped. Fig. 5 is a detached perspective of a port-ion of thepaint-receptacles and wiper-bars. Fig.

6 is a perspective illustrating the manner of tensioning the wiper-bars.Fig. 7 is an enlarged section through the brush holder frame, a portionbeing omitted. Fig. 8 is a section on line :1; m, Fig. 7. Fig. 9 isperspective view of the ball-holding casing detached. 6C Fig. 10 is aperspective of one of the brushholder arms, showing'a brush detached.Fig.

11 is a plan of that portion of the brush-holder frame shown in Fig. 7.

A is a suitable framework which I prefer- 5 ably employ to support theoperating parts. Its form is quite immaterial. This framework supports aseries of work-holders. I have shown a rectangular frame B, havingguides C at the top and bottom, in which slide the These may be framesover which canvas to be painted on is stretched or may be plates towhich paper or canvas sheets may be otherwise secured or may beconstructed in any suitable manner. D represents one of these sheetssecured to the front plate or frame. These sheet or canvas holders arearranged preferably, as shown, in separated parallel planes, withsufficient space between them to allow thebrush-arms E to enter and movefreely. While I have shown these sheets arranged vertically, I do notdeem this essential. j

The brush-arms E are arranged on a common support or frame F. ThisframeI have 5 shown as composed of tWo connected bars a a, separatedsufiiciently to give a steady hearing for the arms, which pass throughan aperture in the bar a and have a conical bearingresting in acorresponding recess in the 9 bar a. I hold the arms from endwisedisengagement by means of the plates 6, which are secured to the bar aand engage a notched bearing or shoulder, one for each arm.

The bar a has the hollow or tube-shaped ends 0, in which I secureaballbearing, preferably as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, comprising thecasing (Z, in which the balls are spaced by engaging suitable apertures.

G represents pintles entering the tubeshaped ends of the bar a andengaging the ballbearing, as shown in Figs. 7 and 9. These pintles thusengaged form a ball-bearing pivot about which the frame F may be turned,but also permit a longitudinal reciprocating movement of the frame alsoon the same ball-bearings.

In abrush painting-machine it is desirable, if not quite necessary, thatthe arms Eshould rock or rotate together, each on its own axis. This maybe accomplished by any suitable connection, that .I have shown as formedby the lingers e on each arm E, pivotally connected to theconnecting-bar H, Figs. 7 and 11.

In addition to the arms E, I have shown an arm E, similar to the arms E,except that it does not carry a brush, but instead has a suitable gripor handle by which the brush-hold ers may be manipulated.

Each arm E carries a color-applying device. In the broader lines of myinvention this includes any kind of device by which such work may bedone-such as painting, crayon-work, and air-brush work. Thecolor-applyingdevice here shown is a brush I, Fig. 10, secured in asocket l at the outer end of a plate or stem I fitted in a slot it inthe end of a post J, having a reduced portion J. This reduced portionfits in a central bore in the upper end of the arm E, and the lower endof the post J fits in a counterbore therein and is held from rotation bythe lugs or pins K, which fit in cross-slots K in the top of the arm E.The plate or stem I is held in position by the clamping or set screw L,which permits adjustment of the brush. This particular construction Ideem desirable, because it permits of the quick attachment anddetachment of the brushes by removing the posts J, for instance, or bypulling out the brushes from the socket I, and permits longitudinal,transverse, and angular adjustment of the brush.

The brush-holder should be of such a construction and so supported inrelation to the sheets or canvas as to cause the arms E to extend inparallel planes beside the same and free to be moved, so that thecolor-applying devices can be applied to any desired point on thesheets. I have shown and I consider it a desirable construction,although not essential in the broader features of my invention, aswinging frame or swinging arms which support the brush-holder. Theseswinging arms I have shown at M, Figs. 1, 2, and L. These arms at theirouter ends are shown as carrying pins G and at their outer inner endspivoted to a suitable support. The support I preferably make adjustable,so as to conveniently handle the brushes with as I short a frame aspossible over a wide range l of canvas. This adjustable support I showin the nature of a swinging frame N, which is pivoted in the frame A andmay be held at any adjustable point by suitable holding or lockingdevices between the frame and the segments O. The swinging frame M maybe counterbalanced, so that the operator will not have to handle theweight thereof in moving it about, and this I preferably do by means ofa coil-spring P around the connecting-bar P between the arms M andengage a pin upon the frame N, so that the tension of the spring tendsto hold up or counterbalance the brush-frame.

On the frame A and beside the sheet or canvas-holder is a sliding frameQ movable on guides Q, and adapted to be reciprocated by means of apinion R, (having suitable actuating mechanism, not shown,) engaging arack-bar R on the frame. This frame Qcarries on it a series ofpaint-receptacles S, and these I preferably show as long troughs ofsuflicient length to extend the length of the brush-holder frame. Asmany of these are employed as colors or shades are required.

Extending transversely of the paint-receptacles, and one for eachpaintbrush, are a series of wiper bars or wires T. In the construction Iprefer these are secured at one end to the post T and at the other endto the rotary post T, which by being turned will tension the wiresufficiently to keep it perfectly taut, so that a brush may be wipedagainst it.

The parts being thus constructed, their operation is as follows: Thebrushes are first secured in position in the posts J, as described, andthe operator by examination ascertains that each brush bears the samerelation to its sheet or canvas. The machine is now ready for operation.The operator grasping the handle on the bar E first draws the framelongitudinally, during which movement it slides on the pins Gr, so thatthe brush which is in front of him is free from the canvas, then rocksthe frame to a horizontal position, as shown in Fig. 4c, and rotates thearms E by a rotary movement of the arm E, so that the brushes may bedipped into the paint-receptacle, as shown in Fig. 4. Thepaint-receptacle is moved, so that the desired color is in position forthe clipping of the brushes. A slight rotary and transverse motion ofthe arm E through the connection described will correspondingly rotateall of the brusharms and cause the brushes to wipe against the wiperbars or wires T, and thus remove any surplus paint therefrom. Theoperator position for operation, as shown in Fig. 1, and applies thepaint in the same manner as if he were painting with but a single brush.

It is evident from the description of the machine as set forth that theoperator can 1 then swings the frame back to the desired l move thebrushes to and from the canvases by a longitudinal reciprocation of theframe F and by raising and lowering that frame and turning it about itspivot can apply the brush to any part of the canvas and at that pointcan cause it to approach or recede, as described, to have a rockingmotion for applying the paint.

I prefer to use in connection with the painting-machine a transparentsteady-plateD of glass or other transparent material between the handleE and the front canvas or sheet D. This steady-plate thus arranged, asshown in Figs. 1 and 7, forms a convenient rest for the hand of theoperator, in fact, a sort of a universal mahlstick, and being of glassof course does not interfere with his inspection of the plate D, uponwhich the first brush is operated. I deem it also desirable to use aseparate handle E for operating the brushes,

' although of course it is possible to take hold of the first brush-arm.The object of having the separate handle is that any bending thereofwill not affect the position of the brushes,

' whereas if the first brush-arm were used as the handle if that shouldbend the other pictures would not be exact duplicates, as is necessaryto make the device perfect in its operation. v

By using a single tank or receptacle for each color with fluid paint thelevel in that receptacle will always be the same throughout regardlessof whether the receptacle itself stands in a true horizontal plane ornot, so that I am thus enabled to dip all of the brushes exactly alikein such a common receptacle, the brushes when used with such areceptacle having a common horizontal axis.

If it is desired, one of the receptacles S may contain turpentine, sothat the brushes may be cleansed Without removal from the machine.

In Fig. 8 I have shown a machine in which it is not necessary to employrocking arms E,

planes connected to move synchronously and.

equally supported adjacent to said sheet-supporting frame, andprojectinginto the spaces between the sheets, free to move in saidspaces in a plane parallel to the sheets, color-applying devices on saidarms, which latter have a sufficient reciprocation'so that thecolor-applying devices may be moved at any point of the sheet, into orout of operative relation to the sheet.

2. In a painting-machine, the combination of a frame, adapted to hold aseries ofsheets in separated parallel planes, of a series of connectedarms, each adapted to rotate about its own axis and to rock aboutdifferent points in a common axis, projecting into the spaces betweentwo sheets, color-applying devices on said arms, and connections wherebysaid arms may be moved synchronously, alike, and correspondingly rockedor rotated each about its own axis, for the purpose described.

3. In a painting-machine, the combination of a series of like armsconnected together tomove synchronously, supported in a swingingsupport, each arm having a color-applying device or brush, projecting atan angle to its axis, said arm being swiveled so as to turn upon its ownlongitudinal axis, and connecting mechanism for rotating all the armscorrespondingly by the operation of one, to apply the color.

4:. .In a painting-machine, a multiple-brush holder comprising a rockingframe, a series of arms journaled therein to turn on their longitudinalaxes, a brush on each arm projecting therefrom at anangle to its axis,and means for rotating all the arms simultaneously and alike, wherebythe brushes may paint on a series of sheets arranged in separatedparallel planes.

5. In a painting-machine the combination of a frame having a pivotalsupport, a series of free parallel arms projecting transverselyfrom thepivot-point thereof, said frame being free to rock so as to carry thearms equally through planes parallel with the sheets to be painted uponand a color-applying device oneach arm.

6. In a multiple painting-machine, the combination of swinging arms, aframe 'reciprocatingly and pivotally supported therein, and a series ofcolor-applying devices carried by said frame. I

7. Ina multiple paintingrmachine, the combination of swingingsupporting-arms, a frame reciprocatingly and pivotally supportedtherein, and a series of connected arms pivoted to turn about theirlongitudinal axes supported in said frame, and a color-ap plying devicecarried by said arm.

8. In amultiple painting-machine, the combination of a swingingbrush-holder frame, a series of brush-holder arms carried thereby eachjournaled to turn about its longitudinal axis, laterally-projectingbrushes supported thereon, means for turning all said armssimultaneously, and a series of paint-receptacles arranged in the pathof each arm.

, '9.- The combination of a-series of counter balanced arms extendingside by side parallel to the work, each carrying a color-applyingdevice,- a connecting-means, and a support causing the arms each to movesynchronously LOO and alike in an upright plane parallel to the work,and to be moved at any point of the sheet into and out of operativerelation to the work, so as to permit the color-applying devices to bemoved freely beside the work without touching it, and to be applied tothe work at any point on the sheet.

10. In a color-applying machine, a frame pivoted in bearings and free tohave a limited endwise reciprocation in the line of its pivots, a seriesof arms projecting from said frame, and color-applying devices carriedby each arm.

11. In a color-applying machine, aframe, a support for the framecomprising tubular bearings, antifriction-bearings intermediate the endsthereof, and pivot-pins on the frame slidingly and rotatively engagingsaid bearings.

12. In a color-applying machine, the combination of, areciprocatingly-pivoted colorapplying frame, comprising a series ofconnected arms extending parallel to each other, a color'applying deviceon each arm, and a complementary actuating-arm extending from the frameand having a grip or handle in substantially the same plane as thecolor-applying devices.

13. In a color-applying machine, a sheet to be painted upon, a movablecolor-applying arm for applying color thereto, a transparentsteady-plate parallel to and in front of said sheet and color-applyingarm and an actuating-arm for the color-applying arm extending in frontof and in like relation to the steadyplate.

14. In a color-applying device, nation of a series of separated movablearms, color-applying devices thereon, the points of which are maintainedina common horizontal line, said arms being connected so as to movethrough like paths synchronously, and a common paint-receptacle intowhich all the colorapplying devices may be dipped simultaneously,whereby the paint is maintained at the same level for all thecolor-applying devices.

15. The combination of a series of supports for a series of uprightsheets, a corresponding series of color-applying devices one for eachsheet, com prising a counterbalanced arm extending substantiallyparallel with the sheet, and a laterally-projecting brush or peneil,means for effecting a like synchronous relative movement simultaneouslyand equally between all the coloring devices and sheets, in a planeparallel to the sheets, and in a plane transversely thereto so as tocause them to approach and recede from each other at any point in theplane of motion.

16. The combination in a painting-machine of an arm supported injuxtaposition to a surface to be painted on, a brush on said arm, saidarm being movable to carry the brush to any point on the surface, andactuating means the combifor causing the brush to paint, independent ofthe traveling movement of the arm.

17. The combination of a series of arms, a color-applying device on eacharm, said arms being connected and supported free to move synchronouslyto any point over the surface to be worked upon, and means for actuatingthe color-applying devices independent of the traveling movement of thearms.

18. The combination of a series of arms, a color-applying device on eacharm, a series of sheets arranged in separated parallel planes, means forsupporting said arms to extend between the sheets, free to move to anypoint over the surface to be worked upon and a common actuating meansfor the color-applying devices on the arms, such actuating device beingindependent of the traveling movement of the arms.

19. In a painting-machine, the combination of a series of sheetsarranged in parallel separated planes, a series of connected rotarybrush-supporting arms extending beside the sheets, a pivotal support forthe arms transverse to the plane of the sheets, said arms beingsupported free to' move the brushes thereon to any point of the sheets,and means for rotating the brush-supporting arms independent of thetraveling movement of the arms.

20. In a painting-machine, aseries of sheets arranged in separatedparallel planes, a series of rotary arms projecting one beside eachsheet, a brush extending toward the sheet on each arm, means for movingthe arms together in planes parallel to the sheets, and means forrocking the arms independent of the traveling movement thereof.

21. In a painting-machine, a pivoted frame, a series of free armsprojecting from the pivotal axis, in separated parallel planes, andbrushes orpencils, at the tops of such arms, projecting outwardlytherefrom so as to apply color upon sheets arranged parallel to thearms, said arms being supported free to move to any point of the sheet,and to approach and recede therefrom at any point thereof.

22. In a paintingmaehine,a series of sheetholders, a series of armscarrying brushes, a support therefor which permits the brushes to bemoved to any point of a sheet to be painted on, and to and from thesheet at any point thereof, a plurality of paint-receptacles beside thesheet-hold er and similar brush-wipers for each brush at eachreceptacle.

23. In a painting-machine, the combination of a series of sheet-holders,a series of con nected arms carrying brushes adapted to paint upon thesheets, and a series of paint-receptacles one for each color, common toall the brushes, supported in such relation to the brushes that they maybe simultaneously supplied with paint.

24:. In a painting-machine, the combination of a series ofsheet-holders, a series of conthe receptacles, these parts beingcombined IO and arranged so that all the brushes may be clipped' andwiped simultaneously.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

WILLIAM G. LATIMER. Witnesses H. 0. SMITH, L. J. VVHITTEMORE.

